Have you been running round like a headless chicken in search of roadside attractions? Then strut over to Fruita, Colorado, where you’ll find a bonkers statue dedicated to Mike the Headless Chicken! The bizarre story of a chook who lived for 18 months after having his noggin lopped off – and went on to become a national celebrity – has long enthralled locals and visitors … Continue reading Mike the Headless Chicken, Fruita, CO
Downtown Las Vegas has gone to the dogs, because it’s home to the 15-foot-tall canine bathroom – also known as The Big Fire Hydrant. Standing proudly outside the pooch park on Fremont Street, this bright yellow beacon of hope is fully functional and able to spurt out water at the pull of a lever. Sensible and practical it may be, but the story behind The … Continue reading The Big Fire Hydrant, Las Vegas, Nevada
Wander through the Nevada desert long enough and you shall come across Claim Your Destiny, a colossal beer can that just might hold the answer to all life’s mysteries. Or just take the Ely exit as you’re driving out of Vegas, trundle along Las Vegas Blvd North for six miles, head up the dirt track on the right as far as you can go, swagger … Continue reading Claim Your Destiny, Dry Lake, Nevada
SlotZilla! SlotZilla! Follow the joyful screaming to downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find the world’s largest slot machine. A dazzling display of bright lights that overwhelms the senses, SlotZilla rises 12 storeys above Fremont Street and is home to one of the world’s most incredible thrill rides. The wondrous one armed bandit opened to much fanfare in the summer of 2014 and was designed to … Continue reading SlotZilla, Las Vegas, Nevada
Look at me and my big, black friend! Of course, as a progressive gentleman I’m proud to have many friends of colour, including Larry Fishburne, Halle Berry, and that dude who sings in Counting Crows. Wait, maybe he’s not black. But he does have a great set of dreadlocks, so I’ll count him anyway. Anyway, back to Big John, the 18-foot-tall coal-black miner who stands … Continue reading Big John, Helper, Utah
I wanna rock ‘n’ roll all night, and visit St George every day! That’s because this leafy Utah town is home to a big, bad and bombastic scrap metal guitar known as Ready to Play. Melding small-town sensibilities with snarling city swagger, the incredible instrument has really struck a chord with the locals. At 21 feet from titanic tuners to behemoth bridge, this Big Guitar … Continue reading Ready to Play, St George, Utah
Leave it to Beaver to create a couple of the cutest, cuddliest critters you’ve ever seen! The handsome rodents call the local Shell gas station home, and the good people of Beaver – an eccentric village nestled high in the Mineral Mountains of Southern Utah – are just as proud as punch of them. Nicknamed Justin and Sigourney by besotted locals, The Big Beavers sit … Continue reading The Big Beavers, Beaver, Utah
Dogs love chasing cars, but this pooch actually caught one. Of course, it helps that she’s 38 feet tall! Spot the Dalmatian is the pet project of roguish sculptor Donald Lipski, and can be found loyally guarding the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in Manhattan. Playful, joyous and large enough to stand out amongst the chaos of the city, Spot’s not only man’s best friend – she’s … Continue reading Spot the Dalmatian, Manhattan, New York
New Yorkers, I’m sad to say, are a pack of perverts. Adam here simply wants to live a peaceful, naturist lifestyle amidst the hustle and bustle of The Shops at Columbus Circle. With his robust physique and cheerful disposition, even his lack of genitallic girth can’t wipe the optimistic smile from his dial. But it seems the locals can’t stop molesting him. Adam, 15 feet … Continue reading Adam (and Eve), New York, New York
Ayy, I’m drinkin’ here! Grab a slice o’ pie and raise a zesty glass of cab sav as we toast Private Passage, a bottle of wine so massive it’s sure to arouse even the most grizzled New Yawker. I’m your sommelier, the irrepressible Bigs von Bubbles; effervescent Upper East Side socialite, lifelong substance abuser, and self-indulgent wine snob. But then you already knew that, ya … Continue reading Private Passage, New York
Beg, borrow or peel, because the time is ripe to orange a visit to the sweet seaside village of Dania Beach, where The Big Orange is open all year rind. Squeeze be advised that this mandarin-credible roadside attraction can be found round the side of Alex’s Flamingo Groves & Gift Shop. Pre-pear for a bargain, as prices have been rejuiced! You might find my jokes … Continue reading The Big Orange, Dania Beach, Florida
Fort you’d seen everything Lauderdale has to offer? Then allow Thrive to cement your decision to return to this tropical paradise. This 27-foot-tall bombshell, designed by delightful South African artiste Daniel Popper, can be found begging for attention on a dank street corner beneath an apartment block – but she’s certainly no street walker. Well, she doesn’t have any legs, does she? What Thrive does … Continue reading Thrive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Once upon a time there were three Biggie Goats Gruff, who lived inside a giant pineapple in the magical Kingdom of Australia. There was a handsome Biggy Goat Gruff, an even handsomer Biggie Goat Gruff, and a third Biggie Goat Gruff who was so super handsome that women – and even some of the more emotionally-resilient men – would weep at his feet as he … Continue reading The Fremont Troll, Fremont, Washington
Next time you’re in Seattle, make sure to catch The Mitt! At nine-foot-tall and 14-foot-wide, he’s very hand-some and stands outside the northern end zone of T-Mobile Park, home of the be-glove-d Mariners baseball squad. If you’re a sports lover, you should be dribbling in anticipation for this one! Needing an icon for their new baseballing facility when it opened in 1999, the Mariners scrimmaged … Continue reading The Mitt, Seattle, Washington
Are you teddy for a good time? Then track down this snout-standing bronze bear, who is paws-ibly the hairiest, scariest, most delicious chap in Seattle. Trust me, you’ll fang me for it later! Known as The Undaunted Spirit, the giant grizzly can be found outside the un-bear-lievably bargain-priced Brown Bear Car Wash. They boast centres across the hiber-nation, most with ultra-sized ursidaes out the front. … Continue reading The Undaunted Spirit, Fremont, Washington
Ohh MarlinMy Marlin you’re so fineOhhhh-hhh-hhh Don’t know if words can sayBut Marlin I want to playWith you in the endless turquoise seaBut it isn’t meant to be‘Cos you’re a work of wooden artAnd in the ocean you will fall apart Oh Marlin’I dream about you often my pretty Marlin’(Marlin’ you’re so fine)I love the way you lure tourists into Ohana Island CreationsWhere they can … Continue reading The Big Marlin, Kahuku, Hawai’i
Vladimir Lenin was responsible for the brutal slaughter of five million people, but this tribute to the deranged dictator is plenty of fun to take photos with, so I’m sure we can all look past that! Yes, it’s unusual – although far from unheard of – to find a massive recreation of a cold-hearted killer, and the story of how he arrived in the liberal … Continue reading Lenin Statue, Fremont, Washington
Little Bigs BardotSat in a meadowOn a lovely Seattle dayThere came a Big Spider,Who sat down beside herAnd frightened Bigs Bardot away Seattle’s monumental Big Spider is a load of rubbish – and I mean that in the kindest way possible! Your valiant reporter, the inimitable Bigs Bardot, was swaggering through the lively streets of Georgetown on my way to see Hat n’ Boots. Suddenly, … Continue reading The Big Spider, Seattle, Washington
There once was a Big Thing named DreamerWho was created by Patti WarashinaShe looked quite delishAdmiring her fishOh, what a positive demeanour! On the corner of Westlake and RepublicanDreamer tempts like no other canShe’s 18 feet longAnd great at ping pong!With tootsies larger than those of a pelican One day came a boy from AustraliaWhose hunt for Big Things was no failureBardot was his nameLarge … Continue reading Dreamer, Seattle, Washington
A visit to the World’s Largest Trophy Cup is always an awarding experience. The gleaming golden goblet rests atop Athletic Awards in downtown Seattle, and serves as a source of hope for this proud sporting city. The shop has been around in one form or another since 1949, but it wasn’t until they lifted the prodigious prize in 1983 that business started booming. Since then, … Continue reading World’s Largest Trophy Cup, Seattle, WA
Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Macklemore. Seattle has produced some of the world’s greatest musical acts, so it’s no surprise that even their Big Things love to sing. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sonic Bloom onto the stage! Wander cautiously up to one of these 40-foot-tall flowers and he or she will regale you with a melodic ditty. Each of the five blossoms has a unique personality … Continue reading Sonic Bloom, Seattle, Washington
The picturesque Portland suburb of Fairview cutlery-cently welcomed an enormous fork that, at 37 feet from gleaming handle to quad-pronged bottom, is the very largest on Earth. Yes, Fairview has always been a knife town to visit, but now it’s the plates to be! It’s even larger than Australia’s most massive forks, so just imagine the size of the potatoes you could skewer with it. … Continue reading World’s Biggest Fork, Fairview, Oregon
Has anyone seen a giant, half-naked cowboy? No, no, I’m not looking for a date, I just want to let him know he left his Hat n’ Boots in a suburban park in Seattle, Washington. We’ve all been there before! The cap-tivating Hat n’ Boots have become icons of the Emerald City, but look ridiculously out of place in the nascent Oxbow Park, just down … Continue reading Hat n’ Boots, Seattle, Washington
For more than half a century, Harvey the Rabbit has brought love and laughter to the good people of West Portland. The quirky 25-foot-tall bunny stands merrily beside the Tualitin Valley Highway in scenic Aloha, offering a big wave and a warm grin to generations of Oregonians. Most pass by, honk, and think no more of the brief encounter. But those brief moments are all … Continue reading Harvey the Rabbit, Aloha, Oregon
As an admirer of all things Big and an ally of repressed minorities, I’m hesitant to present a roadside attraction that discriminates against those of us unable or unwilling to grow a full head of hair. My buzz cut is a fashion choice and I could boast a luxurious mane of amber curls at the click of a finger, but I stand in solidarity with … Continue reading Tallest Barber Pole, Forest Grove, Oregon
Meet Paul. He’s an outdoorsy, approachable fellow who enjoys artisanal pale ales, daring facial hair and the smell of fresh flannelette in the morning. Oh, and he’s also a 31-foot-tall giant who brandishes a monstrous axe with which to protect the good people of the Pacific North West. All together now; “Hi, Paul!” The mythical Mr Bunyan is a hero to people across America and … Continue reading Paul Bunyan, Portland, Oregon
McLatchy Park, home to a happy-go-lucky turtle and a rag-tag selection of oversized fruit and junk food, seems like the happiest place on Earth. It’s hard to imagine that this tranquil slice of Californian suburbia was the site of one of history’s most tragic events. Joyland Amusement Park opened to a flabbergasted public in 1913, boasting a giant racer, swimming baths, and a zoo. There … Continue reading Howie the Turtle, Oak Park, California
Kamehameha the Great united the warring islands of Hawaii in 1810, bringing a new age of peace and prosperity to this tropical paradise. The inimitable Bigs Bardot united the world’s Big Things and roadside attractions under one website in 2021, bringing love and happiness and greater awareness of roadside attractions to every corner of the world (yes, even Нады́м, Россия – did you think I … Continue reading King Kamehameha, Hilo, Hawai’i
When much-loved Sacramentonian cyclist Andy Yokoyama joined the big peloton in the sky in 2012, his death took the air out of the city’s tyres. But instead of spinning their wheels in mourning, the community jumped back in the saddle to create a fitting tribute to the bikable fellow. The result is A Life’s Ride, an astonishing piece from local artist Terrance Martin that’s chained … Continue reading A Life’s Ride, Sacramento, California
Yes, the rumours are true! Your friend Bigs Bardot has been seen swanning around Waikiki in the arms of a larger lady. This big, beautiful woman represents the storytellers and traditional keepers of Hawaii’s rich, diverse, exotic culture. I’m Australia’s leading historian on giant bits of fruit and animals the size of houses, so it’s no wonder we got along! The Storyteller, also known as … Continue reading The Storyteller, Waikiki, Hawai’i
Give peace a chance… or should that be give peace a HANDS. This massive set of mitts was created by the ever-talented Stephen Kaltenbach, and can be found right near the State Capitol in downtown Sac. When the world needed a hero, Steve was there to lend a hand, knuckling down to bring Sacramentonians a message of glove and harmony. The results, as you can … Continue reading Peace, Sacramento, California
Many a tourist has left their heart in San Francisco, so of course there’s a Big Thing dedicated to love and romance right next to the Bay Bridge. Created by lovers Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen in 2002 and measuring an un-bow-lievable 18 metres from tip to amorous tip, Cupid’s Span quickly surpassed the Golden Gate Bridge as the bay city’s most photographed landmark. … Continue reading Cupid’s Span, San Francisco, California
Aloha, and greetings from the tropical wonderland of Hawai’i. Millions of people travel to this Pacific paradise for the golden beaches, bottomless drinks and topless women. But the most popular reason for visiting this alluring archipelago is the assortment of Big Things, with the Water Giver at the top of the list. Just look at his rippling muscles, square jaw and G-string that leaves little … Continue reading The Water Giver, Honolulu, Hawai’i
“(Sittin’ With) the Crab for the Day” Sittin’ in the San Fran sunThe Crab’ll be snippin’ when the evenin’ comesWatching Bigs Bardot roll inThen he’ll make an excuse and scuttle away forever, yeah I’m sittin’ with the Crab for the dayWondering which way he sways, oohBecause it’s scientifically proven crabs can be gayCrustacean time! I left my home in GosfordHeaded for the Frisco Bay‘Cause I’ve … Continue reading The Big Crab, San Francisco, California
